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How to Create a Return to Work Resume (With Sample)

February 16, 2024 | Career Advice

Woman professional sitting at a desk in front of her laptop holding a print out of her return to work resume

If you’re returning to the workforce after time off, updating your resume should be your first priority. Your resume will help you get your foot in the door, showcase your skills, and convince hiring managers to pick up the phone and call you for an interview.

Follow these tips to create a resume for returning to work, and use the sample resume below for inspiration as you position yourself as a standout candidate.

What to Focus on in a Return to Work Resume

Prioritizing your strengths.

Your job-specific strengths should be showcased more prominently than your work experience if you’ve been out of the workforce for a long time. It’s vital to instantly convey to hiring managers how you’re qualified for the job they’re hiring for, which can be done by moving the skills section of your resume to the top or using a format that places less of an emphasis on previous jobs (more on this below).

Modernizing your old resume

Your resume from before you left the workforce probably has a lot of good material, and your prior experience is still relevant. There’s no need to trash it and build a new resume from scratch completely. Use your old resume as a starting point, then modernize it.

The professional world has changed significantly in the last several years. Resume design norms have evolved, as has the way companies hire. Your resume should be current for the year you’re applying and adjusted to the post-pandemic world.

Why Do You Need a Resume for a Return to Work?

It’s the first thing hiring managers see.

Your professionalism and charm might help you land the job… but first, you need to get the chance to exercise them by landing an interview. Your resume is one of the first things hiring managers see when you throw your hat in the ring for an open position, so getting it right is crucial to making a good first impression and breaking back into the workforce.

Highlight your transferable skills

Since you don’t have a current job for hiring managers to go on as a reference point, you need to help them see how your skills are relevant. What makes you qualified to do the job? Your resume connects your background from your prior career and the skills you developed during your time away from the workforce to the position you want now.

When Should You Use a Return to Work Resume?

Use this resume to:

Return to work after taking time off
Change careers after a gap in employment
Build professional connections that will help you land a job

Common Return to Work Resume Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Accounting for a long gap in employment.

You have two options for handling a long employment gap on a resume. Your first option is to cite it directly by listing what you were doing during that time as an entry under experience, i.e., ‘stay-at-home mom.’ This makes certain hiring managers know the reason for the gap and may keep them from making negative assumptions. Your second option is to downplay your employment gap by making other sections of your resume more prominent or using an alternative format where employment is a secondary focus, like a functional resume.

Demonstrating impressive accomplishments

It’s much easier to show how you can make an impact on an organization if you have a recent track record of closing big deals or exceeding performance goals. Since you don’t have recent work accomplishments to show, however, you’ll need to sell yourself as a candidate in other ways. Use your resume to highlight achievements and qualifications you’ve gained in other non-work experiences, such as participating in volunteer work or completing a specialized training program.

Return to Work Resume Format and Key Components

A chronological, functional, or combination resume format is a good choice for returning to work.

Your resume should include these components:

Contact information Begin with your name, address, phone number, and email address.
Summary A summary section is useful for job seekers who are returning to work, acting as your “elevator pitch” for why you’re a great candidate. Use it to sum up one to two of your strongest skills and highlight what you’d bring to the specific position and company.
Skills Zero in on a handful of your top hard and soft skills and list them in a prominent section. As often as possible, use skills that are mentioned as requirements in the job description. This will help your resume get noticed by hiring managers and automated applicant tracking systems used to screen candidates.
Accomplishments Share your most noteworthy work achievements that are both measurable and related to the job you are applying for. It is important to show the hiring manager that you are results-driven and have a history of exceeding expectations.
Education List your degree and the school(s) you attended.
Experience List your work experience in reverse chronological order. If you’re using a functional resume format, group your experience or accomplishments by type–i.e., technical experience, leadership experience, etc. Under each item, give specific, detail-rich examples of your accomplishments in that position or area, citing numbers and quantifiable achievements as much as possible.

Polishing your resume is the first step toward restarting your career a break . Make sure you’re using a modern format, customizing the document for the specific job you’re seeking, and avoiding some of the most common resume mistakes .

Just because you haven’t worked in a traditional full-time job doesn’t mean you don’t have relevant experience. In addition to listing the jobs you held before leaving the workforce, state qualifications you’ve gained during other activities that have filled your time, like serving as a caregiver or managing your household finances.

A cover letter offers a little more leeway in terms of structure and content than a resume, which makes it an ideal place to explain an employment gap and position it in a positive light.

When you’re returning to work after a long break since your last job, consider using a functional resume format. This alternative format helps call the hiring manager’s attention to your relevant skills, particularly position-specific skills like technical expertise and management experience.

When you’re reentering the job market, you can absolutely include unpaid positions in the experience section of your resume. Show how these roles expanded your skill set, brought you valuable perspective or allowed you to contribute to a worthwhile cause.

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About Pete Newsome

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance and has been Clearly Rated's top-rated staffing company in Central Florida for the past five years. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded ze ngig , to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. C onnect with Pete on LinkedIn

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10 Returning to Workforce Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Returning to workforce focuses on helping individuals reintegrate into the job market after a break. When crafting your resume, highlight your relevant experience, any new skills you’ve acquired during your time away, and specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities. Incorporate skills that reflect your adaptability, communication abilities, and proficiency in technology. Lastly, emphasize your unique perspectives and the dedication you bring, which can greatly benefit potential employers.

All resume examples in this guide

Single Column

Resume Guide

Styling your returning to workforce resume: layout and format, strategies for crafting your returning to workforce resume experience section, decoding the essence of your returning to workforce resume: hard and soft skills, highlighting your educational and certification milestones on your returning to workforce resume, should you add a summary or objective to your returning to workforce resume, enhancing your returning to workforce resume with additional sections, key takeaways.

One key challenge that individuals returning to the workforce often face is explaining gaps in their employment history on their resumes. Our guide can assist by providing strategies and examples to effectively frame these gaps as periods of growth and learning, turning potential negatives into positives.

Dive into our comprehensive guide to crafting a standout returning to workforce resume:

Discover returning to workforce resume samples that have secured positions at top-tier companies.
Master the aesthetics of your resume layout for maximum impact.
Strategically present your achievements and skills across various resume sections.
Convey to recruiters why you're the perfect fit for the job.

Upload your resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

While color can enhance your returning to workforce resume by emphasizing key details like headlines, job titles, and degrees, moderation is key. Stick to a primary and a secondary color to maintain professionalism and avoid a cluttered appearance.

Essential components for your returning to workforce resume:

Header: Feature your name prominently. If you have a notable degree or certification, append it next to your name. Include contact details, a link to your portfolio, and a concise headline.
Summary or Objective: Align your professional trajectory and standout achievements with the desired role.
Experience: Craft concise bullet points, highlighting tangible successes and contributions.
Skills: Showcase them throughout your resume and consider a dedicated sidebar for emphasis.
Education & Certifications: Reinforce your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

Relevant Skills: Ensure that your resume highlights the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for, especially if they were obtained or improved during your employment gap.
Reason for Gap: If appropriate, briefly explain the reason for the break in your work history. Employers understand gaps for reasons like parental leave, studies, or other personal circumstances.
Transferable Skills: Highlight any transferable skills you might have gained during your time away from the workforce. This could include volunteering, part-time jobs, freelancing, or even life experiences.
Recent Training or Education: Indicate any training courses, certifications, or education you've undertaken during your time off. This shows a commitment to continuous learning and updating your skills.
References: Include references who can vouch for your skills, reliability, and dedication to work, especially if they were connected to any activities you engaged in during your employment gap.
What is the Purpose of a Resume
Resume Layout

When detailing your returning to workforce resume experience , it's essential to pair responsibilities with tangible achievements.

Consider including:

Key responsibilities, emphasizing their significance to your role, team, or organization.
Experiences that have fostered your technical acumen or professional growth.
Metrics that underscore your contributions and successes.
Challenges you've addressed and the solutions you've implemented.
Strategies you've devised and their measurable impact on growth.

Your experience section is pivotal in making a lasting impression on recruiters. To inspire you, we've curated real-world returning to workforce examples:

Developed and implemented marketing strategies resulting in a 20% increase in customer acquisition for XYZ Company.
Led a cross-functional team to successfully launch a new product, achieving a 15% market share within six months.
Managed a budget of $1 million, optimizing spending and reducing costs by 10% while maintaining quality standards.
Collaborated with stakeholders to streamline processes, improving efficiency by 25% and reducing project timelines by 20%.
Conducted market research and competitor analysis, providing insights that drove the development of innovative solutions.
Led a software development team in delivering high-quality products on time and within budget.
Implemented Agile methodologies, resulting in a 30% improvement in team productivity.
Developed scalable architecture for a web application, accommodating a tenfold increase in user traffic.
Collaborated with stakeholders to define project requirements and specifications, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Provided technical leadership and mentoring to junior developers, fostering their professional growth.
Managed end-to-end recruitment process, resulting in a 20% decrease in time-to-hire.
Developed and conducted training programs, enhancing employee performance and productivity by 15%.
Implemented an employee engagement initiative, resulting in a 10% increase in overall employee satisfaction.
Led performance management processes, including goal-setting, coaching, and performance evaluations.
Collaborated with HR team to develop and implement policies and procedures aligned with company objectives.
Managed a portfolio of high-net-worth clients, achieving a 15% growth in assets under management.
Provided comprehensive financial planning services, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
Implemented investment strategies that outperformed the market, generating an average annual return of 12%.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver customized wealth management solutions.
Conducted regular portfolio reviews and made strategic adjustments to optimize client portfolios.
Led a team of sales representatives, achieving a 25% increase in revenue within two years.
Developed and implemented sales strategies resulting in new business acquisitions worth $2 million annually.
Negotiated contracts with key clients, securing long-term partnerships and increasing market share.
Trained and mentored sales staff, improving their product knowledge and sales closing skills.
Analyzed market trends and customer feedback to identify opportunities for business growth.
Developed and executed social media campaigns that increased brand awareness by 30% within six months.
Managed influencer partnerships resulting in a 20% growth in online engagement and customer reach.
Analyzed website analytics to optimize user experience, resulting in a 15% increase in conversion rate.
Created engaging content across various digital platforms, driving organic traffic and customer engagement.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and launch new digital products and features.
Led a team of operations professionals, improving process efficiency and reducing costs by 10% annually.
Implemented lean manufacturing principles resulting in a 20% increase in production output.
Developed and monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence.
Collaborated with suppliers to streamline the supply chain, reducing lead times by 15%.
Implemented quality control measures, resulting in a 25% reduction in product defects.
Managed end-to-end project lifecycle, delivering projects on time and within budget.
Led a cross-functional team of engineers and designers, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
Implemented project management best practices resulting in a 30% improvement in project success rate.
Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Identified project risks and implemented mitigation strategies, minimizing project delays and cost overruns.
Developed and executed comprehensive public relations campaigns, resulting in increased media coverage by 40%.
Managed corporate communications, including press releases, speeches, and internal communications.
Built and maintained strong relationships with key media outlets and industry influencers.
Coordinated high-profile events and conferences, ensuring seamless execution and positive brand exposure.
Monitored and analyzed media coverage, providing insights to inform PR strategy and messaging.
Led a team of customer service representatives, achieving a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
Implemented training programs to enhance customer service skills resulting in a 15% reduction in customer complaints.
Developed and implemented customer retention strategies, reducing churn rate by 10% annually.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve product features based on customer feedback.
Implemented customer feedback mechanisms, resulting in a 25% increase in customer engagement.

Quantifying impact on your resume

Include measurable achievements from previous roles, as numerical evidence can showcase your ability to deliver tangible results.
Add any specific financial or budgetary responsibilities you had, demonstrating your fiscal management capabilities.
Mention any quantifiable improvements made in efficiency or productivity, which indicates problem-solving skills and process optimization abilities.
List the size of the teams you've managed, if applicable, to illustrate leadership and people management skills.
Point out customer satisfaction scores or sales figures to reflect your customer service skills or sales acumen.
Specify the number of projects you've successfully completed on time and within budget, highlighting project management proficiency.
Detail the scale of operations you have overseen (for example, the volume of transactions or number of customers served), emphasizing your capacity to handle high-pressure situations.
Note any significant reductions you've achieved in costs, errors, or turnaround times, implying your strategic thinking and effectiveness.

Writing your returning to workforce experience section without any real-world experience

Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your returning to workforce career:

Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the returning to workforce role
Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the returning to workforce job
Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company
Resume Work Experience
Resume Keywords

When detailing your career journey, there's no need to delve deep into early roles. Prioritize what resonates with recruiters. For senior positions, a decade-long retrospective can effectively illustrate your evolution.

Every job description communicates the desired hard and soft skills. These skills are the backbone of your application.

Hard skills are your tangible, technical proficiencies, often validated through certifications or hands-on experience. On the other hand, soft skills reflect your interpersonal abilities and how you navigate diverse work environments.

To effectively spotlight these skills on your resume:

Create a distinct section for technical skills, listing the most relevant ones for the job.
Highlight your strengths by weaving in achievements that underscore specific skills.
Strike a balance between hard and soft skills to present a well-rounded profile.
If multilingual, include a language proficiency section, emphasizing the interpersonal advantages it brings.

Stay tuned for a deep dive into the most in-demand hard and soft skills in the industry.

Top skills for your returning to workforce resume:

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Project Management Tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Data Analysis Tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau)

Basic Coding (e.g., HTML, CSS)

Social Media Management Tools

Time Management Software

Remote Collaboration Tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack)

Job Search Platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed)

Communication

Adaptability

Problem-Solving

Time Management

Critical Thinking

Don't go all over the place with your skills section by listing all keywords/ buzzwords you see within the ad. Curate both hard and soft skills that are specific to your professional experience and help you stand out.

While skills alignment is increasingly prioritized, your educational background and certifications still play a pivotal role in establishing credibility.

To effectively present your academic and certification achievements:

Detail your educational journey, including the institution and duration.
Highlight recent and relevant certifications, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning.
Be concise; focus on the skills and knowledge gained rather than exhaustive details.
If a certification is in progress, mention the expected completion date.

Remember, authenticity is key. If a certification is pending, be transparent about it.

Best certifications to list on your resume

I'm sorry, but I can't generate the specific information you're asking for because the job title or field is missing here. The certifications that may be relevant will depend greatly on the specific job or career field in question. For example, returning to a career in IT would require vastly different certifications than returning to a career in healthcare or finance. Please provide a specific job title or career field for more accurate assistance.

If you're in the process of obtaining a certification listed in the job requirements but haven't completed it yet, be transparent. Mention your ongoing training and the expected completion date. Honesty is always the best policy on a resume.

Deans List on Resume
Coursework on Resume

Choose between:

Resume summary to match job needs with your top wins.
Resume objective to share your career goals.

Both should tell recruiters about your best moments. Keep them short, around five sentences. Check out our sample structures for guidance.

Resume summary and objective examples for a returning to workforce resume

Seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of diversified experience, including a 5-year career break. Expertise in systems architecture and cloud computing. Recognized for leading a successful migration to a cloud-based system at TechGiant Corp.
Multi-skilled HR Manager with a history of 10+ years in the industry before a 3-year pause. Proficient in talent acquisition and employee engagement strategies. Spearheaded a complete revamping of performance review methods at BlueBox Enterprises.
Former Education Administrator pivoting to Human Resources Management after a 4-year hiatus from work-life. Demonstrates proficiency in personnel development from 8 years of experience in academic institutions. Initiated a comprehensive mentorship program serving over 100 staff members at HighPeak School District.
Experienced Sales Consultant transitioning into Digital Marketing following a 2-year career gap. Previous 7-year tenure managing high-profile accounts brings an in-depth understanding of client needs. Successfully closed a multi-million dollar deal at GoldenEagle Inc.
Driven candidate seeking to apply proven organizational skills and keen attention to detail in a Project Management role. Committed to efficiently meeting targets and contributing to team success despite no prior experience in the field.
Aspiring Data Analyst eager to leverage strong quantitative background into practical business insights. Despite lack of previous experience in this specific sector, possesses a solid foundation in statistical analysis from academic coursework.

Make your returning to workforce resume truly distinctive by adding supplementary sections that showcase:

Awards that underscore your industry recognition.
Projects that bolster your application's relevance.
Hobbies , if they can further your candidacy by revealing facets of your personality.
Community involvement to highlight causes you champion.
Format your returning to workforce resume for clarity and coherence, ensuring it aligns with the role.
Highlight key sections (header, summary/objective, experience, skills, certifications) within your returning to workforce resume.
Quantify achievements and align them with skills and job requirements.
Feature both technical and personal skills across your resume for a balanced portrayal.

Looking to build your own Returning to Workforce resume?

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